Rich Miso Ramen at Menya Yukikaze — A Must-Visit Late-Night Spot in Sapporo

Stopped by Sapporo on the way to visit a friend staying in Niseko.

Every time I’m in Sapporo, I make a point to visit a different ramen shop—like “Saika”—and this time I headed to one of Susukino’s most popular spots: Menya Yukikaze.

Even though it was late on a Sunday night, there was still a solid line. But it was totally worth it for the rich, creamy miso broth and the perfectly springy Nishiyama curly egg noodles.

Beyond the food, I was impressed by the staff’s coordination and warm hospitality.

If you’re okay with waiting in line, I highly recommend stopping by for a post-drink ramen fix in Susukino!

Menya Yukikaze — A Popular Ramen Shop on the Edge of Sapporo’s Susukino District

Menya Yukikaze’s Susukino main branch is about an 8-minute walk from Susukino Station, slightly toward Nakajima Park but still very accessible.

I arrived around 11 PM on a Sunday, and even then, there was a line out the door. I can only imagine how intense it gets on Fridays or Saturdays.

Waiting in the cold winter might be tough, but this was September and the weather was still mild. A young staff member came out to take our orders while we were waiting.

Trying to keep people entertained, he confirmed orders with exaggerated English-like pronunciation—“Claaassic!” for Sapporo Classic beer, and “Haaalf, is that okay?” for half-size gyoza. It got a few chuckles from customers.

After a short 30-minute wait, we were seated. The walls were covered in autographs, including signatures from TEAM NACS and SEKAI NO OWARI. The shop only has 13 counter seats—smaller than I expected.

Even a poster of the anime “Kantai Collection” character Yukikaze!

They offer three types of ramen: rich miso, spicy miso, and chicken-salt broth. Only gyoza and rice are available as side dishes. I always try the signature bowl first, so I went with the rich miso ramen, gyoza, and a beer—a perfect combo.

Hadn’t had a single beer in Sapporo yet, so I kicked off with a Sapporo Classic—delicious! (Even if the glass said YEBISU.)

The Rich Miso Ramen Has Bold Flavor and a Great Team Behind It

The soup has a slight yellow hue and a rich texture. Nishiyama’s curly noodles peek through the toppings and broth.

Toppings include thick-cut pork chashu, shredded white and green onions, crispy fried onions, wood ear mushrooms, and a soft-boiled egg.

The gyoza are slightly larger than usual, with a nicely seared finish.

The soup is made from a blend of three types of miso, local pork bones, chicken broth, dried sardines, and skipjack tuna, all brought together with aromatic burnt oil.

Definitely rich! The strong miso flavor gives it a punchy kick—perfect after a night out.

Many miso ramen use white or barley miso for a mellow flavor, but Menya Yukikaze adds red miso, giving it a bolder, more complex edge.

The chashu was so tender it fell apart when I tried to pick it up. Nicely marbled and well-seasoned.

Nishiyama noodles are known for their bite and aroma, and they hold up perfectly against the intense soup.

This ramen has a different kind of punch compared to other well-known shops—very satisfying.

Behind the counter was the owner (presumably), a skilled young assistant, and the friendly staff member who had taken orders outside.

At one point, the staffer made a mistake and apologized with “Oops, my bad,” and the young assistant smoothly responded, “No worries, it’s all good,” while continuing to prep ramen without missing a beat.

The owner stayed focused on cooking, occasionally thanking customers, never scolding. It felt like a well-run team with good vibes all around.

I only visited once, but if my impressions are right, this is the kind of restaurant I’d love to work in. Solid team. Great atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

They only open at night, and it’s popular, so be ready to wait. But if you’re drinking in Susukino or craving a solid miso ramen downtown, this place is a strong contender.

I’m planning to try the spicy miso or chicken salt ramen next time!